Earthships are semi-underground autonomous buildings made of concrete blocks, aluminum cans, and used vehicle tires packed with rammed-earth, usually in a "U" or horseshoe shape. Each tire is rammed full of dirt using a sledge hammer or pneumatic tamper. A tire will weigh more than 300 pounds when properly prepared. Windows on the sunny side admit light and heat. The "U" shape of the structure faces South in the northern hemisphere, and North in the southern hemisphere, so that the house will catch maximum sunlight in the colder months.

The roof of the dwelling is heavily insulated. this, combined with temperature conductivity to the earth itself, means these unusual homes require little (if any) heating or cooling. Earthships use thermal mass to maintain a constant temperature. Electricity is usually obtained from solar cells, to avoid relying on electricity obtained from a commercial power grid.

Internal walls are often made of recycled aluminum cans and concrete, which provide high strength and insulation. The walls are then usually thickly plastered, using the pull-tabs on the cans as a lathe to hold the adobe and stucco.

Earthships capture rainwater from the roof and store it in cisterns for use in the house, where "grey water" from the kitchen and shower is re-used in internal gardens. It is like living in a well-insulated greenhouse.

Sanitation is usually to a waterless toilet. A common sanitation method for earthships is by using a solar oven to incinerate the feces and toilet paper. The resultant powder can be spread in the garden for fertilization, and tests (where the powder has been added to water and sent to a laboratory for testing) show there are no bacteria or pathogens left alive.

Earthships have survived forest fires, earthquakes and windstorms. The oldest structure known is over 30 years old, and continues to function with upgrades added as renewable energy technology evolves.

A large community of Earthships (http://www.earthship.org/) exists in Northern New Mexico (near Taos) and Southern Colorado, USA.
(Article retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthship")

EARTHSHIP LINKS
Earthship Biotecture / http://www.earthship.com/
Earthship Biotecture offers hands on seminars, information about earthship rentals, plans and other information about construction.
Sustainable Communities Initiatives / http://www.sci-scotland.org.uk/
This organization is involved in an earthship project in Scotland - the Earthship Fife project.
Earthshipbiotecture / http://www.earthshipbiotecture.com/
Floor plans, many photographs, drawings, lots of helpful information about earthships
Earthship Landing : A Pictorial History / http://www.earthships.com/
A pictorial history of one person's earthship project.
EarthenSun.com / http://www.earthensun.com/
Lots of information, links, and a journal about the building of an earthship.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST
Kenex, Ltd. / http://www.kenex.com/
A Canadian company set up for research, production, and processing of industrial hemp in SW Ontario. Specializing in hemp seed products, core materials, and fiber products.
Nirvana Safe Haven / http://www.nontoxic.com/
A company specializing in products to create healthy environments in the home, free from toxic chemicals. Nirvana Safe Haven carries many types of mattresses, carpets, bedding, air filter, water purifiers, natural furniture, and more.
Natural Home / http://www.naturalhomeproducts.com/
Safe, healthy, and durable natural interior decorating materials such as carpet, area rugs, linoleum, stains, paints, and more.
Home Environment / http://www.home-environment.com/
A variety of earth-friendly products for the home.
Healthy Environments / http://www.healthye.com/
Home products to help with allergen and toxic chemicals problems in the home and workplace